Chinese citizens protest state firm’s plan to buy Syngenta, pointing to fears over GMO
Hundreds sign letter calling for ChemChina to drop US$43 billion takeover of Swiss agri-giant, saying its modified seed strains will contaminate staple crops
About 400 citizens have signed a letter to protest against the purchase of Swiss-based seeds and pesticides company Syngenta by state-owned ChemChina, saying the deal would eventually lead to genetically modified crops being sown across swathes of the mainland.
Critics of genetically modified organisms argue the technology poses risks to public health and the environment, while advocates say such fears have not been scientifically proven and that high-yielding genetically altered crops would help ensure food security as the world’s population grows.
Although relatively few people signed the letter, it marks a rare example of open opposition to state-supported corporate strategy in a nation where the government often clamps down hard on any criticism.
ChemChina pounces on Syngenta for cutting edge crop technology
It also underscores fears among some of the public that the government is gearing up to gradually loosen laws that prevent the cultivation of any GM varieties of staple food crops, with Beijing already permitting the import of some GMO crops for use in animal feed.
The US$43 billion all-cash deal unveiled in February is the largest foreign acquisition yet by a Chinese firm as the nation is looking to secure food supplies for its population. Syngenta has a portfolio of top-tier chemicals and patent-protected seeds, many of which are genetically modified.
The acquisition ... would destroy the country’s own agriculture and food security
“The acquisition of Syngenta and the promotion of its genetically modified and agro-chemical agriculture in the country would destroy the country’s own agriculture and food security,” the protesters said in the letter.
They argue that GMO strains would contaminate staple crops in China.